Preds defenseman Ryan Ellis skates before Game 6

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis' status for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against Pittsburgh remains in question after he tested himself by skating alone.

But Ellis, who played less than 11 minutes of Thursday night's 6-0 loss to Pittsburgh, did not join his teammates Sunday morning in an optional skate.

Ellis not only plays on the top defensive pair with Roman Josi, he also has 13 points this postseason, including a seven-game points streak.

Coach Peter Laviolette could replace Ellis by moving Matt Irwin up from the third pair to keep P.K. Subban and Mattias Ekholm together. Irwin has played with Josi, Ekholm and Subban. Filling the sixth defensive spot could be Anthony Bitetto, with 14 career playoff games but none this postseason.